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Fabrication/Getting Started with CAD: Difference between revisions

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== Summary ==
== Summary ==
If you're looking for a CAD program for drone and parts design:
If you're looking for a CAD program for drone and parts design:
* '''SolidWorks''' is ideal for military veterans, thanks to its affordable $20/year offer and professional capabilities.
* '''[https://www.solidworks.com/product/students/solidworks-student-edition-veterans SolidWorks]''' is ideal for military veterans, thanks to its affordable $20/year offer and professional capabilities.
* ''Fusion 360''' is a great free option for hobbyists. It has a robust set of features and an easier learning curve.
* ''Fusion 360''' is a great free option for hobbyists. It has a robust set of features and an easier learning curve.
* '''OnShape''' offers cloud-based flexibility for users who need easy collaboration or professional-level features without installing local software.
* '''OnShape''' offers cloud-based flexibility for users who need easy collaboration or professional-level features without installing local software.
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* '''Cost''':  
* '''Cost''':  
** SolidWorks offers a significant military discount. If you're military or retired, you can get it for just $20/year through their [https://www.solidworks.com/product/students/solidworks-student-edition-veterans|Veteran Edition].
** SolidWorks offers a significant military discount. If you're military or retired, you can get it for just $20/year through their [https://www.solidworks.com/product/students/solidworks-student-edition-veterans Student Edition for Vets].
** This version includes the full suite of SolidWorks tools and free certification tests.
** This version includes the full suite of SolidWorks tools and free certification tests.
* '''Training''':  
* '''Training''':  
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* '''Pros''':  
* '''Pros''':  
** Best for those who want to work professionally in engineering or use highly detailed CAD models.
** Best for those who want to work professionally in engineering or use highly detailed CAD models.
** Commonly used in college programs and professional environments.
** It is commonly used in college programs and professional environments.
* '''Cons''':  
* '''Cons''':  
** Requires annual re-submission of military documents to keep the discounted license active.
** It requires the annual re-submission of military documents to keep the discounted license active.
** More complex learning curve than hobbyist tools like TinkerCAD or Fusion 360.
** It has a more complex learning curve than hobbyist tools like TinkerCAD or Fusion 360.


=== Fusion 360 ===
=== Fusion 360 ===
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** Fusion 360 has a '''free version''' for hobbyists, which is ideal for non-commercial use. It's a great alternative for those not qualifying for SolidWorks discounts.
** Fusion 360 has a '''free version''' for hobbyists, which is ideal for non-commercial use. It's a great alternative for those not qualifying for SolidWorks discounts.
* '''Pros''':  
* '''Pros''':  
** Plenty of free online tutorials, especially on YouTube.
** There are plenty of free online tutorials, especially on YouTube.
** Lower learning curve compared to SolidWorks, making it great for beginners.
** It has a lower learning curve than SolidWorks, making it great for beginners.
** Ideal for hobbyists working on drone parts, 3D printing, and lightweight designs.
** Ideal for hobbyists working on drone parts, 3D printing, and lightweight designs.
* '''Cons''':  
* '''Cons''':  
** Some advanced features require a paid license.
** Some advanced features require a paid license.
** Free version has some limitations, but it’s sufficient for most personal projects.
** The free version has some limitations but is sufficient for most personal projects.


=== OnShape ===
=== OnShape ===
OnShape is another popular CAD tool developed by one of SolidWorks' original founders. It offers a cloud-based interface, making it accessible from any device with a browser.
OnShape is another popular CAD tool developed by one of SolidWorks' founders. It offers a cloud-based interface, making it accessible from any device with a browser.


* '''Pros''':  
* '''Pros''':  
** Easy to use, with an intuitive interface similar to SolidWorks.
** Easy to use, with an intuitive interface similar to SolidWorks.
** Cloud-based, which means you don’t need to install any software locally, and you can access your designs from anywhere.
** Cloud-based means you don’t need to install any software locally, and you can access your designs from anywhere.
** Suitable for professional work and collaboration.
** Suitable for professional work and collaboration.
* '''Cons''':  
* '''Cons''':  
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=== Other CAD Tools ===
=== Other CAD Tools ===
* '''TinkerCAD''': While easy to use, TinkerCAD lacks advanced features and professional tools. It’s great for very simple projects, but it may not suit users who want more complexity or the ability to interface with more professional tools.
* '''TinkerCAD''': While easy to use, TinkerCAD lacks advanced features and professional tools. It’s great for very simple projects, but it may not suit users who want more complexity or the ability to interface with more professional tools.
* '''Microsoft 3D Builder''' is a basic toold modifying STL files, but it is not recommended for creating anrk like making for detailed wo drone parts.
* '''Microsoft 3D Builder''' is a basic tool for modifying STL files, but it is not recommended for creating CAD, like making detailed drone parts.
* '''FreeCAD''': An open-source alternative for those looking for a completely free tool, but the interface can be clunky, and it may take longer to learn.
* '''FreeCAD''': An open-source alternative for those looking for a completely free tool, but the interface can be clunky, and it may take longer to learn.


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